Orlando, Fla. — The top amateur wake athletes from throughout the globe hit the waters of the Orlando Watersports Complex in Orlando, Fla. today for the first day of action at the 2009 ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra.

The 2009 Worlds, which kicked off today and runs through Sunday, August 30, is a four-day-long event featuring pro and amateur wakeboarders and wakeskaters from around the world, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, China, Columbia, Argentina, Sweden, France, Brazil, Mexico, Great Britain, Canada and the United States, vying for world titles in 20 different divisions, separated by age and skill level.

Athletes compete by performing rail tricks and aerial stunts, while being towed on the water behind the official towboat of the ’09 Worlds, the Supra Launch 24V, at a speed of approximately 25mph. Tricks are scored by a panel of judges, with only the top-scoring athletes advancing in each round of the contest until a winner is determined in the finals.

The ROCKSTAR WWA Wakeboard World Championships, presented by Supra kicked off its first day with semifinal rounds for 12 of the 20 divisions, where riders battled it out on the water for a spot in their respective division final, held tomorrow.

Also competing today were the riders of the Jr. Pro Men division for their quarterfinal round. The field of 25 riders was narrowed down to 12 for tomorrow’s semifinals. Among the 12 semifinalists are Bob Soven of Longwood, Fla. and Mitch Langfield of Brisbane, Aus., as the two riders paced their respective heats with a perfect score of 100 points.

The event will run from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Friday, August 28; 8:00am to 4:30pm on Saturday, August 29; 9:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday, August 30.

In addition to all the action of the water, on land, fans will experience tons of great music and food, athlete autograph signings, chances to win freebies, and shopping at the most cutting-edge stores offering water-sports equipment, including boats, wakeboards, wakeskates, sunglasses and the latest in wakeboarding and surfing fashions.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on event dates for $10 (general admission), $5 (ages 6-12) or free (ages 5 and under).

The World Wakeboard Association (WWA) is a rider formed organization dedicated to promoting and growing wake sports worldwide. It is the leading source for riders, event organizers and competitive standards.

Supra is the official tow boat of the WWA Wakeboard World Championships. Celebrating 30 years of excellence in the marine industry, Supra pioneered rider-friendly boats that feature innovative hull designs, adjustable wakes and versatile seating with sleek and sexy styling.

ROCKSTAR is the world’s most powerful energy drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars.ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available in eleven amazing flavors: Original, Sugar Free, Zero Carb, Juiced Mango Orange Passion Fruit, Juiced Guava, Juiced Pomegranate, Tropical Punched, Punched Citrus, Roasted Mocha, Roasted Latte, and Roasted Light Vanilla. ROCKSTAR ENERGY SHOTS are available in Wild Berry and Tropical Punch flavors.ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK is available at convenience and grocery retail outlets across the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the United Kingdom.

Media Partners
To catch all the high-flying, rail-sliding, water-sports action of the King of Wake series, tune in to FUEL TV – the official television partner of the King of Wake. WakeBoarding, published by Bonnier Corp., is the official magazine of the King of Wake series. Read about all things wakeboarding, with expert coverage of professional instruction, gear, boats and news.

King of Wake
Viewed as the world’s elite pro wakeboarding circuit, the King of Wake series has attracted the sport’s top athletes from throughout the globe. With more than $300,000 in prize money over the eight-event season, athletes compete during the course of the year to be named the “King of Wake” – an award based on points accumulated at each stop of the series. Events include the Wake Games, the WWA Wakeboard National Championships, the WWA Wakeboard World Championships and all five stops on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. The King of Wake is organized by World Sports & Marketing – the leading wake events producer since 1988.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, Maloof Money Cup, AMA Motocross Championship, King of Wake series, and the Free Flow Tour; Alli Productions, which creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. More information can be found at www.allisports.com.